In its 25-year Integrated Transport Master Plan (ITMP25) the Gauteng province has taken the movement of freight into the equation.

Dr Ismail Vadi, Gauteng MEC for roads and transport, says “The ITMP25 proposes a radical shift in spatial and transport planning. It ushers in an innovative way of structuring our societal development.”

“The plan sets out a ‘strategic’ framework’ to better the lives of residents, stimulate economic growth and render the province as an attractive destination for investment.”

This 25-year plan, developed by an inter-disciplinary team of experts led by Gautrain CEO Jack van der Merwe, provides an assessment of the current transport and land-use challenges. It also forecasts economic growth scenarios, which have been used to plan the future transport needs and solutions in the province.

To facilitate the implementation of the ITMP25, eight mutually supportive ‘strategic interventions’ have been identified, which have been arranged into four clusters. One of these is for freight transport and deals with the strengthening of freight hubs in the province.

The full report can be downloaded from www.itmp25.co.za and the public is welcome to submit inputs and comments before 20 September 2013 to jackvdm@gautrainpo.co.za or Phumelelo.Zikalala2@gauteng.gov.za.